Wintertime can make it difficult to want to leave the warmth of your home. That also means there may be a decline in the opportunities we seek out to give back! However, there are plenty of ways you can continue to volunteer your time and efforts to make the world a better place — even from the comfort of your home or inside the warmth of an organization! Check out these eight opportunities to give back during the winter.

1. Help shovel snow.

Unfortunately, with winter comes inclement weather. Use this as an opportunity to shovel snow for somebody in your community who may need a helping hand. Or, scrape off the ice from your neighbor or friend’s car to help give them a head start on their morning. 

2. Donate warm clothes and blankets.

Who says you have to wait for spring cleaning to dust off the clothes in your closet? Winter is the one time of year where warm clothes are desperately wanted for those in need. See if you have any hats, mittens or winter coats you can part with to donate. Blankets are also a great option for donations! 

3. Volunteer at a local shelter.

Local shelters are especially busy during the winter months due to the cold temperatures. Visit a local homeless shelter or animal shelter to see if you can provide assistance during these especially busy and difficult times. 

4. Sign up for indoor desk work.

Even though it’s cold outside, that doesn’t mean you need to give up volunteering until spring! Find an organization that has indoor volunteer opportunities. Even seasonal organizations may have opportunities in the off-season. All you have to do is ask!

5. Look into virtual volunteer opportunities.

With the Covid-19 pandemic came many new ways of doing things — including volunteering! Many organizations don’t even need to come into their headquarters to help contribute. Ask your favorite organization if they have any virtual volunteer opportunities. For example, you may be able to help with administrative tasks or even mentoring virtually!

6. Call up an old friend or lend an ear to a stranger.

This may not seem like “giving back” at first thought, but it can be an incredibly easy way to offer something everybody needs—an ear to listen. You can also volunteer for various hotlines to help talk to somebody who is lonely or having a hard time. 

7. Buy somebody a warm cup of coffee or meal.

Sometimes all it takes is a small, kind act to completely change somebody’s day or week for the better. Buy a warm meal or cup of coffee for a friend or a complete stranger! You never know just how much this small gesture can mean.

8. Plan out your year of giving back.

January is the perfect time to plan out how you’ll give back and make a difference this year. Use this time to get your ducks in a row and to consider how you’ll give back to your community in the coming year. Make 2023 your year of giving. 

These are just a few ideas to get you started with giving back in the wintertime. Don’t be afraid to get creative and think outside the box. Consider how you can give back both virtually and in new ways. You never know what you’ll come up with when you put your mind to it!